Putin Drops Missile Pact, Sparking Fears of New U.S.-Russia Nuclear Arms Race

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In a chilling throwback to Cold War brinkmanship, arms race fears are mounting as Putin says Russia is no longer bound by missile treaty limits that once curbed the deployment of intermediate-range nuclear weapons. The announcement has escalated tensions between Moscow and Washington to dangerous new levels as both nations engage in an increasingly volatile military standoff centered around Ukraine.

On Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared an end to its self-imposed moratorium on intermediate-range missile deployments, citing aggressive moves by the United States and NATO allies, particularly the planned stationing of American Typhoon and Dark Eagle missile systems in Germany next year. The ministry warned that such deployments near Russian borders are a “direct threat” to the country’s security and could have “significant harmful consequences” for regional and global stability.

“Russia no longer has any limitations,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “Russia believes it has the right to take respective steps if necessary.”

While the statement stopped short of detailing where or when Russia might deploy its own systems, President Vladimir Putin has already announced the coming placement of Russia’s new Oreshnik intermediate-range missiles in Belarus later this year. Designed for maximum speed and devastation, the Oreshnik—capable of flying at Mach 10 and carrying conventional or nuclear warheads—can reportedly reach any target in Europe.

NATO’s Missile Moves Spark Russian Reaction

Russia’s Foreign Ministry justified the policy shift as a response to Washington’s missile plans and broader NATO military buildup. “Decisions on specific parameters of response measures will be made based on the scale of deployment of American and other Western missiles,” the ministry said, stressing the need for a flexible strategy as the international security landscape evolves.

The United States and Russia both abandoned the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019 after accusing each other of violations. Signed in 1987 by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, the INF Treaty had banned land-based missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. Following the collapse of the agreement, Moscow pledged a voluntary halt in deployment—until now.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council, celebrated the end of the moratorium as a “new reality” that “all our opponents will have to reckon with.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Medvedev warned, “Expect further steps.”

Trump Orders Submarine Repositioning

The Kremlin’s announcement follows a separate development that could compound tensions. Former President Donald Trump, now leading in the polls as the 2024 election nears, said Friday he had ordered the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines. The move came after a defiant Medvedev dismissed Trump’s warning to accept a Ukraine peace deal or face severe consequences.

Trump said he was alarmed by Medvedev’s combative rhetoric and nuclear threats, noting the escalation as a sign of worsening nuclear brinkmanship. “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war,” Medvedev had replied to Trump’s peace proposal.

With Trump’s self-imposed deadline for a Ukraine deal approaching, the maneuvering of both Russian and American nuclear assets underscores the renewed volatility in U.S.-Russia relations and the looming threat of a broader conflict that could involve NATO states.

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Federal Grand Jury Investigates Ex-Obama Officials Over Alleged Trump-Russia Hoax

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A federal grand jury has been convened to investigate whether former Obama-era officials coordinated efforts to promote what turned out to be false claims of collusion between Donald Trump and Russia during the 2016 election cycle, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The Justice Department’s probe is centered around the early days of “Crossfire Hurricane,” the FBI’s investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives — an inquiry that ultimately resulted in no findings of collusion after years of scrutiny by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

The investigation, which could lead to criminal charges, is said to focus on key intelligence figures including former CIA Director John Brennan, former FBI Director James Comey, and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. All three served under President Barack Obama and were involved in initiating or advancing the Russia probe.

President Trump and current Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard have both called for accountability, alleging the Russia narrative was a politically motivated operation designed to derail Trump’s presidency. Gabbard, a former Democrat congresswoman, submitted a criminal referral to Attorney General Pam Bondi last month, citing alleged misconduct by Obama-era intelligence officials and suggesting the former president himself may have orchestrated the effort.

Obama-Era Intelligence Under Scrutiny

Central to the investigation are claims that the infamous Steele dossier — a collection of salacious and unverified allegations compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele — was knowingly used to legitimize the Russia narrative. The dossier was funded by opposition research firm Fusion GPS, on behalf of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

Documents obtained during the inquiry reportedly contradict Brennan’s 2023 congressional testimony, in which he claimed the CIA opposed inclusion of the Steele dossier in an intelligence assessment. At the time, Brennan had allegedly supported its inclusion, according to internal agency communications.

Comey is also facing renewed scrutiny following his 2023 interview with Secret Service agents regarding an image he posted online, interpreted by some as a threat against Trump. Republican lawmakers have long accused Comey of providing false testimony to Congress in 2017, which carries a potential five-year prison sentence — although that charge is subject to a statute of limitations.

Legal Hurdles and Political Fallout

The grand jury inquiry comes at a legally complex moment. In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that former presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for official acts — a decision that likely shields Obama from direct legal consequences related to presidential directives.

However, DOJ officials are exploring whether lower-level officials knowingly misled Congress or manipulated intelligence for political ends. Treason, while historically rare and difficult to prove, remains on the table as a charge with no statute of limitations.

“Following the compelling case outlined by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, which exposed clear and blatant weaponization by corrupt intelligence officials acting at the behest of the Democrat Party and likely former President Obama, the Administration remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation,” said White House spokesman Harrison Fields.

Trump, who has faced multiple indictments himself in recent years, has argued that he was too forgiving of political rivals during his first term — referencing his decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server while serving as Secretary of State.

“I let her off the hook for what?” Trump said during a recent interview. “Now we know they actually meant it — and it was all a hoax. I think they should pay a price.”

Political and Historical Significance

The grand jury proceedings signal a significant shift in how past political investigations may be scrutinized in future administrations. While many legal experts caution that pursuing charges against former national security leaders could further politicize the justice system, supporters argue it’s necessary to restore public trust.

The Justice Department has not announced a timeline for potential indictments, and sources say the location of the grand jury — whether in Washington, D.C. or another jurisdiction — remains undisclosed for now.

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr

Texas Democrats Arrest Warrants Issued After Fleeing Redistricting Vote

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The Texas House has voted to issue arrest warrants for dozens of Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to avoid voting on a redistricting proposal backed by former President Donald Trump. The move, aimed at restoring quorum and proceeding with the legislative agenda, marks a significant escalation in a long-simmering partisan standoff.

On Monday, Texas lawmakers passed the motion to authorize the arrest of Democrats who left for Illinois and other states, including New York and Massachusetts, in a coordinated attempt to deny the Legislature the quorum needed to vote on newly drawn congressional maps. These maps are designed to establish five additional Republican-leaning districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Governor Greg Abbott (R) warned that the absent legislators would face consequences, including a $500 daily fine, removal from office, and arrest. “They have a constitutional duty to be here, and they’re not above the law,” Abbott said. “They cannot just abandon their responsibilities and expect no consequences.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton echoed those sentiments, calling for immediate enforcement: “They need to be found, arrested, and returned to the Capitol so the people’s work can continue.”

Meanwhile, Democratic governors such as Illinois’ J.B. Pritzker have stepped in to offer protection and support to the absent lawmakers. While Pritzker pledged to shield the legislators from legal repercussions within his jurisdiction, he stopped short of covering any financial penalties.

The walkout, which began Sunday, was a deliberate move to derail the redistricting process by eliminating the quorum required to proceed. But by Monday’s 3 p.m. deadline—set by Abbott—many Democrats had failed to return, triggering the House’s decision to act.

Supporters of the redistricting effort argue that the new maps reflect the will of Texas voters and are aligned with constitutional requirements. “This is about fairness and representation,” said one GOP representative. “It’s not democratic to hijack the process because you don’t like the outcome.”

The issuance of Texas Democrats arrest warrants underscores growing political tensions in the Lone Star State and signals that Republican leadership is prepared to take aggressive legal steps to enforce legislative order.

As the showdown continues, all eyes are on whether the absent lawmakers will return voluntarily—or be brought back in handcuffs.

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr

Rising Illness Raises Concern as Unusual Symptoms Appear in U.S. Outbreaks

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A sharp rise in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases is being reported in various parts of the United States, especially among young children and, unusually, some adults. Public health officials have flagged the increase, prompting renewed awareness of the illness’s transmission and symptoms.

In Virginia, the Fairfax County Health District confirmed at least six outbreaks earlier this year, largely affecting children under the age of five. The illness, commonly associated with young children, is now being seen in adults as well—with symptoms presenting more aggressively than usual, including widespread rashes and even nail loss.

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst at Fox News, warned that the current HFMD wave—particularly linked to the Coxsackie A6 virus strain—could result in more severe symptoms than in past outbreaks. “The number of cases are increasing and are spreading to adults with more unusual symptoms,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Dr. Tina Q. Tan, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, emphasized that such outbreaks are common in warmer months. “We are seeing more cases at this time,” she stated, noting that the illness is usually mild and seasonal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HFMD spreads easily through direct contact with nasal secretions, saliva, blister fluid, stool, or contaminated objects. Shared items like utensils, toys, and even doorknobs can be sources of infection. It’s especially contagious during the first week of symptoms, though the virus can linger for several weeks after.

Typical symptoms of HFMD include:

Fever

Sore throat

Painful mouth sores

Rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks

Fatigue and irritability

Although usually not life-threatening, doctors urge parents and caregivers to take precautions—especially in daycare or school settings where the virus spreads rapidly.

Good hygiene remains the best defense, according to health officials. Frequent handwashing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals can help limit transmission.

Tensions Mount as Trump Deploys Nuclear Submarines in Warning to Russia: ‘There Can Be No Winner in a Nuclear War’

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President Donald Trump’s decision to reposition two U.S. nuclear submarines near Russia’s borders has sparked the Kremlin’s first official response, warning against nuclear escalation and emphasizing its commitment to nonproliferation.

The high-stakes move came after former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev issued a scathing statement warning that Trump’s demands for Russian de-escalation were “a step towards war.” In response, Trump moved the submarines into position on Friday, signaling a serious posture shift in U.S.-Russia relations.

In a statement on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that “there can be no winner in a nuclear war” and emphasized that Moscow is not seeking confrontation. “Russia is very cautious about nuclear nonproliferation matters, and we believe everyone should be very careful about nuclear rhetoric,” Peskov said, according to The Washington Post.

While Medvedev is known for his inflammatory remarks, Peskov sought to distance his comments from President Vladimir Putin, clarifying that “foreign policy is formulated by the head of state, President Putin.” He declined to say whether the Kremlin would ask Medvedev to tone down his rhetoric.

In a Truth Social post, Trump slammed Medvedev’s “foolish and inflammatory statements,” warning that “words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences.” He added: “I hope this will not be one of those instances.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Putin later this week—his fifth such meeting—amid Trump’s push for a negotiated peace deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump has imposed a deadline of August 9 for Russia to accept peace terms or face secondary tariffs from a future Trump administration.

“This is a war that should have never happened,” Trump wrote online. “This is Biden’s war, not ‘TRUMP’s.’ I’m just here to see if I can stop it!”

Despite escalating rhetoric, the Kremlin insisted it does not plan to escalate militarily. The developments come as civilian casualties continue on both sides of the conflict, and diplomatic efforts remain tense.

FBI Busts Man with Seven Homemade Bombs Allegedly Intended for Major U.S. City

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A New York man is facing federal charges after allegedly building and stashing homemade bombs across Manhattan, including on active subway tracks and residential rooftops.

Michael Gann, 55, of Inwood, was charged Tuesday with manufacturing at least seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using chemicals he bought online, according to U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton.

“The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” said Clayton.

“As alleged, Michael Gann built explosive devices, stored them on a rooftop in SoHo, and threw one onto the subway tracks—putting countless lives at risk. Thanks to swift work by our law enforcement partners, no one was harmed. That vigilance assuredly prevented a tragedy in New York,” Clayton said in a statement.

Authorities say Gann’s alleged actions included throwing an IED onto the Williamsburg Bridge subway tracks and hoarding explosives, some with shotgun shells, above Manhattan apartment buildings. (Read more from “FBI Busts Man with Seven Homemade Bombs Allegedly Intended for Major U.S. City” HERE)

Trump: ‘Jeffrey Epstein Hoax’ Is Left’s Latest Media Scam to Distract from My Success; Trump Disavows Supporters Pushing Epstein ‘Bulls—’: ‘I Don’t Want Their Support Anymore!’

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By Breitbart. President Donald Trump blasted what he called the “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax” in a fiery Truth Social message Wednesday. He accused the “Radical Left Democrats” of launching a new smear campaign against him, denounced former supporters who have bought into the Epstein narrative, and recalled a long list of past “hoaxes” pushed by the Left and the corporate media.

In the post, President Trump likened the Epstein narrative to a string of previous Democrat-driven “scams and hoaxes.”

“The Radical Left Democrats have hit pay dirt, again!” Trump wrote. “Just like with the FAKE and fully discredited Steele Dossier, the lying 51 ‘Intelligence’ Agents, the Laptop from Hell… and even the Russia, Russia, Russia Scam itself… these Scams and Hoaxes are all the Democrats are good at.”

Trump said Democrats, “no good at governing” and “no good at picking winning candidates,” have resorted to “strong prodding by the Fake News and the success starved Dems” to push the “Epstein Hoax” and distract from his “incredible and unprecedented success.”

“Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax,” Trump continued. “My PAST supporters have bought into this ‘bullshit,’ hook, line, and sinker. They haven’t learned their lesson… I don’t want their support anymore!” (Read more from “Trump: ‘Jeffrey Epstein Hoax’ Is Left’s Latest Media Scam to Distract from My Success” HERE)

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Trump Disavows Supporters Pushing Jeffrey Epstein ‘Bulls—’: ‘I Don’t Want Their Support Anymore!’

By NBC News. President Donald Trump on Wednesday disowned his supporters who have called for the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, chiding them as “weaklings” who “bought into this bulls—.”

The lengthy post on Truth Social represents the clearest split from the faction of his MAGA base that has questioned the Justice Department’s handling of the case.

My “PAST supporters have bought into this “bulls—” hook, line, and sinker,” he said in the post, adding, “Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, don’t even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don’t want their support anymore!”

This month, the Justice Department published a memo determining that there was no evidence of an “incriminating ‘client list,’” prompting renewed consternation in MAGA world. (Read more from “Trump Disavows Supporters Pushing Jeffrey Epstein ‘Bulls—’: ‘I Don’t Want Their Support Anymore!'” HERE)

Epstein Decision Threatens Trump’s Presidency: Here’s What Needs to Be Done

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I need to warn President Trump about trouble brewing that threatens his presidency, legacy and the future of MAGA. . . I’m referring to the announcement that there is no Epstein list.

I’m sorry, but no one is buying it. It looks silly. It looks arrogant. It looks like a cover-up. It looks like President Trump is protecting evil leaders in D.C. – who are being blackmailed by the Deep State. This is serious.

Many of President Trump’s biggest supporters are angry, shocked and disillusioned like I’ve never seen before.

They feel we can never defeat the Deep State unless this list is released. They feel this is a terrible betrayal of President Trump’s promise on the campaign trail to release the list. They think if this stands, his word can no longer be trusted. . .

You promised to release the list. Pam Bondi said she was reviewing the list. Now suddenly, there is no list? Your own supporters see this as a typical D.C. conspiracy, cover-up, and the worst lie you’ve ever told. They don’t care about the reasons you have. They want it reversed N-O-W. (Read more from “Epstein Decision Threatens Trump’s Presidency: Here’s What Needs to Be Done” HERE)

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr

Five People Rushed to Hospital After ‘Unexpected Turbulence’ on American Airlines Flight

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Five people had to be rushed to the hospital after their American Airlines flight suffered “unexpected turbulence,” according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Flight 1286, an Airbus A321, was traveling from Miami to Raleigh-Durham when the turbulence started just as the crew started to service the cabin.

Three flight attendants and two passengers were taken to a local hospital for evaluation after emergency services met the plane on the runway just after it landed at around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, said an American Airlines statement, according to CNN.

“It was way quick, totally unexpected turbulence right after they started service,” Lee Francis IV, a passenger onboard the flight, told CNN. (Read more from “Five People Rushed to Hospital After ‘Unexpected Turbulence’ on American Airlines Flight” HERE)

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House Moves to Codify DOGE Cuts After Two GOP Reps Flip Their Votes

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Elon Musk should be happy now: the House voted to push through his DOGE cuts. The Tesla CEO got into a very public spat with President Donald Trump, even going so far as to pretty much accuse the president of being a pedophile, suggesting baselessly that the slow-walking of the Epstein Files was because Trump was on them. Everything cooled down in 36 hours, Elon deleted tweets about Trump and Epstein, and the pair did have a phone call and made peace. Musk admitted his tweets went too far.

Mr. Musk has opposed the budget reconciliation package for numerous reasons. His DOGE cuts were not included because they can’t be since this isn’t an appropriations bill. Now, they can be through a recissions package, which passed after two Republicans flipped their votes (via WSJ):

House Republicans narrowly passed a $9.4 billion rescissions package that includes cuts to foreign aid as well as the entity that funds National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service.

The vote was 214-212, after some last-minute arm twisting by GOP leaders convinced two Republicans—Reps. Nick LaLota of New York and Don Bacon of Nebraska—to switch their votes to yes from no.

(Read more from “House Moves to Codify DOGE Cuts After Two GOP Reps Flip Their Votes” HERE)